One or more of them would go in and spring it by pecking at the ear that was tied to the trigger, and the others, no matter if there were a hundred in the flock, would all go in to him through the trenches before spoken of.

After they had eaten the corn, they would look _up_ instead of down for a way of escape, and, although the trenches at which they came in were still open to them, they would not know enough to make use of them.

If the trap was once sprung, the capture of the entire flock was certain, provided those outside were not frightened away before they had time to go in to their imprisoned companions.
In two hours' time the traps had all been set and the boys were at home again.

They had done a good day's work, but they wanted to do a better; so as soon as the mule was unharnessed and the wagon put under the shed where it belonged, they set to work in the shop again, and before dark a large coop, which would just fit into the wagon box, was completed.

This was to be used to bring home the captured quails.